Safeguarding

The Parish of St James Sussex Gardens
SAFEGUARDING POLICY – PROMOTING A SAFER CHURCH

The following policy was agreed at the Parochial Church Council (PCC) meeting held on 19th July 2023

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy our church is committed to:

  • Promoting a safer environment and culture.
  • Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
  • Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
  • Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
  • Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
  • Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.

The Parish will:

  • Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
  • Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
  • Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
  • Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
  • Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
  • Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
  • Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
  • Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
  • Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
  • Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.

Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.

This church appoints Lorna Harrison as the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Tosin Akinluyi as the Children’s Champion.

Date: 1st August 2023

Parish Policy Statement on Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk

Every person has a value and dignity, which comes directly from the creation of people in God’s image. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

  • We commit ourselves to nurture, protect and safeguard all our members, particularly children, young people and adults at risk.
  • We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church.
  • We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working with children or adults at risk.
  • We will respond without delay to concerns or allegations that a child or adult at risk may have been harmed, cooperating fully in any investigation.
  • We will challenge any abuse of power by anyone in a position of trust.
  • We will seek to offer pastoral care to anyone who has suffered abuse.
  • We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or adult at risk.

Lay Chair St James’s Church Sussex Gardens, David Banks | Churchwarden: Lorna Harrison | Churchwarden: David Madel

Safeguarding Officer, Lorna Harrison, Church Safeguarding Officer

Our Safeguarding Officer is the first person to speak to if you have any concerns around the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult. You can contact Lorna on: 020 7262 9976

Children’s Champion, Tosin Akinluyi, Children’s Champion

The Children’s Champion is here to be an advocate for all children in all areas of Parish life, making sure their views are heard and their needs are thought of. You can contact Tosin on: 020 7262 9976

The following team members have completed safeguarding training: Fr Owen Dobson & Fr Martin Draper
The following people are our first aiders: Andrew Crawford & Sue Silkstone

Important telephone numbers:

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisers: 020 7932 1224 | CCPAS 24 hour helpline: 0303 003 1111 | Family Lives: 0808 800 222 (Previously Parentline)/Childline: 0800 1111